Page:The Literary Souvenir for 1825.pdf/412



Yet like the Indian, though severer light Hath broken in upon his radiant faith And shown its falsehood, still his spirit clings With lingering homage to his early worship. So Ellen's breast yearned to the guilty one, 'Mid crimes, 'mid darkness; she could not forget He was the chosen of her youth, that he Had been her first, her only love.----


 * The morn had broken, and a dull red light

Streamed through the iron grating heavily: The bell had ceased its summoning,—they leaned In desperate hope to catch another toll In vain—and loud and hurrying steps were heard— The door was opened, and the chains were struck From off his shackled hands. They led him forth. He clasped his Ellen, and pressed one cold kiss On lips as cold, and placed her as a child Upon his father's bosom, and departed. A shriek rang after him, and many there To their last hour shall not forget that cry. They led him on; his step was firm, although His face was very pale; and when he reached The scaffold, he knelt meekly down and prayed. Silence was all around: his eyes were clothed: This world one gasp concluded, and to him Opened eternity. L. E, L.